Self-contained water filtration system and method of using the same

ABSTRACT

A water filtration housing containing a pressure vessel configured to receive a water filter cartridge; a ring enclosure attachable to an open, top end of the housing enclosure; an interface tower including a user interface; a lid assembly removably attachable to the ring enclosure, the lid assembly including (i) a pressure cap and gasket for maintaining a given pressure in said pressure vessel and (ii) a rotatable lever for disengaging the pressure cap from the pressure vessel thereby releasing pressure therein. A mating system between the lid assembly and ring enclosure prevents the lid assembly from being attached to the ring enclosure in a misaligned fashion. RFID technology may be used for identifying the water filter cartridge installed therein and wireless communication technology (e.g., Wi-Fi) to transmit collected system data (e.g., water usage) to a central location for analysis such that the customer is provided with, for example, operational suggestions.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the present invention relate to a countertop-stylewater filtration system configured to allow a user to change batteriesand a water filter cartridge easily while providing filter tracking andWi-Fi capabilities.

BACKGROUND

Water purification is the process of removing undesirable chemicals,biological contaminants, suspended solids and gases from contaminatedwater. Water purification is a multi-billion dollar industry. Waterpurification systems for home drinking water come in all shapes andsizes including large, expensive systems, simple, container-implementedsystems, faucet-connected systems and everything in between. Countertoppurifiers and filtration systems are a popular solution offering usersconvenience at a generally low cost.

It would be advantageous to develop a countertop water filtration systemintegrating user-friendly features as well as advanced technologies forcommunicating usage data to a central location, tracking usage of thewater filter and optionally disabling or shutting off the waterfiltration system responsive to the installation of a non-branded orspent water filter.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention comprises a housingcontaining a pressure vessel configured to receive a water filtercartridge; a ring enclosure attachable to an open, top end of thehousing enclosure; an interface tower including a user interface; a lidassembly removably attachable to said ring enclosure, said lid assemblyincluding (i) a pressure cap and gasket for maintaining a given pressurein said pressure vessel and (ii) a rotatable lever for disengaging saidpressure cap from said pressure vessel thereby releasing said pressurein said pressure vessel. In one embodiment, a locking system between thelid assembly and ring enclosure prevents the lid assembly from beingattached to the ring enclosure in a misaligned fashion. The lockingsystem also provides an efficient mechanism whereby a user need onlyturn the lid assembly slightly to disengage it from the ring enclosure.

In another embodiment, the water filtration system incorporates RFIDtechnology for identifying the water filter installed therein. Based onthe identification, the system may shut down, sound an alarm orotherwise prevent the use of a non-branded or spent water filter whetherbranded or not.

In another embodiment, the water filtration system incorporates wirelesscommunication technology (e.g., Wi-Fi) to transmit collected system data(e.g., water usage) to a central location for analysis such that thecustomer may be provided with, for example, operational suggestions.

Other variations, embodiments and features of the present invention willbecome evident from the following detailed description, drawings andclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate perspective and top views of a water filtrationsystem according to the embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the water filtration systemaccording to the embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a lid assembly according to theembodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate underside views of a lid assembly in closed andopen states and a top view of the lid assembly removed according to theembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of a housing assembly according tothe embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of a pressure vessel sub-assemblyaccording to the embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate several views of the compression cap according tothe embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate several views of the pressure cap according tothe embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate several views of the upper enclosure according tothe embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 10A-10E illustrate the process by which the lid assembly isremoved according to the embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a block diagram of an electronic system according tothe embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a flow chart detailing an authentication processassociated with the water filter cartridge according to the embodimentsof the present invention; and

FIG. 13 illustrates a second flow chart detailing an authenticationprocess associated with the water filter cartridge according to theembodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles inaccordance with the embodiments of the present invention, reference willnow be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specificlanguage will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless beunderstood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is therebyintended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventivefeature illustrated herein, and any additional applications of theprinciples of the invention as illustrated herein, which would normallyoccur to those skilled in the relevant art and having possession of thisdisclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the inventionclaimed.

The components of the embodiments of the present invention may befabricated of any suitable materials, including woods, plastics, alloys,composites, resins and metals, and may be fabricated using suitabletechniques, including molding, casting, machining and rapid prototyping.

FIGS. 1A through 1C show perspective and top views of a water filtrationsystem 100 according to the embodiments of the present invention. Asshown, the water filtration system 100 includes a lid assembly 110,housing assembly 120, ring enclosure 130, user interface 140, rotatablelid lever 150 and rotatable rear lever 160 which are each described inmore detail below.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the water filtration system 100including a lid assembly 110, housing assembly 120, ring enclosure 130,pressure vessel 135 and printed circuit board 145. The housing assembly120 and ring enclosure 130 can be a single, integral unit such that thelid assembly 110 attaches directly to the housing assembly 120. Theprinted circuit board 145 is positioned within an interface tower 115integral with said ring enclosure 130 including control button 116 whichmay be used to (i) turn the water filtration system 100 on and off; (ii)check filter life; (iii) check gallons of water filtered, etc. Theinterface tower 115 may also incorporate a light pipe 118 for providingoperational information regarding the water filtration system 100 andstatus/state thereof indicator lights 119-1 through 119-3. A USB plug123 is integrated into said interface tower 115 providing means tomanually download data from or to the water filtration system 100 asneeded. A source water line (inlet) 121 and purified water line (outlet)122 connect to the housing assembly 120 and serve to receive sourcewater in need of purification and dispense purified water as detailedbelow.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the lid assembly 110 according tothe embodiments of the present invention. While the lid assembly 110herein is described with reference to the water filtration system 100,it is understood by the applicant hereof that the lid assembly 110 mayhave other uses and applications beyond the water filtration system 100.The lid assembly 110 includes rotatable lid lever 150, upper enclosure170, compression cap 180, spring leaf 190, gasket 200 and pressure cap210. The rotatable lid lever 150 attaches to the upper enclosure 170 viabarrel nut 151. As detailed below, the rotatable lid lever 150 acts toengage and disengage the pressure cap 210 from the pressure vessel 135thereby maintaining and releasing pressure in the pressure vessel 135.Pressure cap 210 attaches to an underside of the compression cap 180. Inone embodiment, four press-fit expansion nuts 181 are used to attach thepressure cap 210 to the compression cap 180 which is then attached tothe upper enclosure 170. The spring leaf 190 is retained by the pressurecap 210 via a pair of overhangs 211 and connected to barrel nut 151 witha bolt 152 extending through a center opening 191 in leaf spring 190,washer 153 and a center opening in compression cap 180 into said barrelnut 151. As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in this manner, when therotatable lid lever 150 is rotated upward, leaf spring 190 forcespressure cap 210 and gasket 200 to lift up thereby disengaging frompressure vessel 135 and when the rotatable lid lever 150 is rotateddownward, leaf spring 190 forces pressure cap 210 and gasket 200downward thereby engaging pressure vessel 135.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate underside views of the lid assembly 110 inclosed and open states, respectively. In a closed state, the rotatablelid lever 150 is in a down position recessed within a cavity 171 in theupper enclosure 170. When the rotatable lid lever 150 is in a downposition, an outer wall 212 of the pressure cap 210 and gasket 200 areinserted into the pressure vessel 135 with gasket 200 circumscribing anupper inner surface of the pressure vessel 135 creating a seal, andvacuum within the pressure vessel 135. The seal and vacuum are createdas the pressure cap 210 presses the gasket 210 against an inner uppersurface of the pressure vessel 135. Water pressure inside of thepressure vessel 135 creates an upward pressure against the pressure cap210 thereby assisting with the formation of the seal and vacuum byforcing the pressure cap 210 further upward into the gasket 200 which isthen pushed further against the inner surface of the pressure vessel135. In this manner, contrary to most systems, the greater the pressurewithin the pressure vessel 135, the greater the strength of the seal.When the rotatable lid lever 150 is in an open position, the pressurecap 210 lowers releasing pressure against gasket 200 and thereforeagainst the inner upper surface of the pressure vessel 135 breaking theseal and extinguishing the vacuum within the pressure vessel 135. Withthe rotatable lid lever 150 in an upper position and the seal disrupted,the lid assembly 110 is free to turn relative to the ring enclosure 130or housing 120 for removal as needed. FIG. 4C shows an upper view of thewater filtration system 100 with the lid assembly 110 removed. A waterfilter cartridge 300 is viewable within the pressure vessel 135.

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of housing assembly 120 comprising housingenclosure 128, source water line (inlet) 121, purified water line(outlet) 122, front panel 124, badge 125, inlet water line connector126, outlet water line connector 127 and rotatable rear lever 160.Rotatable rear lever 160 attaches to said housing enclosure 128 via apair of pins 161. Rotatable rear lever 160 serves to, when opened,provide access to rotatable lid lever 150. As shown in FIG. 1C, whenclosed, an upper portion 164 of rotatable rear lever 160 covers one endof the rotatable lid assembly 150 prohibiting the rotatable lid lever150 from being released and the lid assembly 110 from being removed.Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 10A-10E, disassembling the waterfiltration system 100 comprises: (i) releasing rotatable rear lever 160(reveals battery compartment 165); (ii) releasing rotatable lid lever150; (iii) turning said lid assembly 110 in counter-clockwise fashionunlocking lid assembly teeth 111 (FIGS. 4A, 4B and 7C) from ringenclosure teeth 131 (FIGS. 10B and 10E); and (iv) removing said lidassembly 110 accessing the water filter cartridge 300. Moreparticularly, the lid assembly teeth 111 are on an inner surface of thecompression cap 180. Rotatable rear lever 160 conceals a batterycompartment 165 containing batteries for powering various features ofthe water filtration system 100. The rotatable rear lever 160 is held inplace via a latch 162 on an inner surface of said rotatable rear level160 and mount 163 on said ring enclosure 130, namely the interface tower115 thereof.

The position of the lid assembly teeth 111 and ring enclosure teeth 131provide a secure connection while requiring a user to only turn the lidassembly 110 slightly or removal or attachment. For example, dependingon the spacing of the lid assembly teeth 111 and ring enclosure teeth131, a user may need to only turn the lid assembly thirty degrees orless to allow for removal or attachment. This is unlike, and much moreefficient than, a fully threaded arrangement which requires manycomplete turns (i.e., more than 360 degrees).

As configured, the lid assembly teeth 111 and ring enclosure teeth 131are positioned to guarantee alignment of the lid assembly 110 with thering enclosure 130. Placing said lid assembly 110 on said ring enclosure130 comprises: (i) with said rotatable lid lever 150 in open state,positioning said lid assembly 110 with the rotatable lid lever 150proximate said interface member 115; (ii) lowering said lid assembly 110with the lid assembly teeth 111 between said ring enclosure teeth 131(the positions of the lid assembly teeth 111 and ring enclosure teeth131 limit to one the proper orientation of the lid assembly 110 on thering enclosure 130; (iii) turning said lid assembly 110 aligning saidrotatable lid lever 150 with said rotatable rear lever 160 as lidassembly teeth 111 mate with ring enclosure teeth 131 locking said lidassembly 110 in place; (iv) closing said rotatable lid lever 150 tocreate a vacuum seal within said pressure vessel 135 and (v) closingsaid rotatable rear lever 160 thereby locking said rotatable lid lever160. The position of the lid assembly teeth 111 and ring enclosure teeth131 provide a secure connection while requiring a user to only slightlyturn the lid assembly 110 for attachment. As shown in FIG. 4A, lowermostteeth 111-1 of each grouping of teeth 111 of said lid assembly 110 areflush with a lower edge of the compression cap 180 so that said lidassembly 110 cannot be lowered onto said ring enclosure 130 at all untilsaid lid assembly teeth 111 are aligned with spaces in the ringenclosure teeth 131. In one embodiment, the pattern of the teeth 111,131 allows the lid assembly 110 to lower onto the ring enclosure 130 ina single orientation only.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the pressure vessel sub-assembly250 according to the embodiments of the present invention. The pressurevessel sub-assembly comprises broadly the pressure vessel 135, exitfitting 251, base member 252, leak detector 253, leak detector antenna254, impeller module housing 255, impeller module 256, O-rings 257,elbow fitting 258 and exit gasket 259. The impeller module 255 isconfigured to move purified water into purified water line (outlet) 122.The electronic leak detector 253 is configured to detect water leaksbeneath the pressure vessel 135 and generate a leak signal transmittedvia leak detector antenna 254 to a receiver which triggers a leak lightor other mechanism for alerting the user. In one embodiment, thepressure vessel 135 is fabricated of stainless steel.

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate several views, namely a top, side andcross-sectional views, respectively, of the compression cap 180according to the embodiments of the present invention. The compressioncap 180 fits into the lid assembly 110 and retains the leaf spring 190,gasket 200 and pressure cap 210 which operate collectively as set forthabove to create a seal and vacuum within the pressure vessel 135.

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate several views, namely perspective, side andcross-sectional views, respectively, of the pressure cap 210 accordingto the embodiments of the present invention. The pressure cap 210includes a pair of overhangs 211 for retaining the leaf spring 190 suchthat the leaf spring 190 is able to move said pressure cap 210responsive to movements of the rotatable lid lever 150 as describedabove. An outer lip 213 provides a support for the gasket 200 to restagainst.

FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate several views, namely upper, side, bottom andcross-sectional views, of the upper enclosure 170 according to theembodiments of the present invention. The upper enclosure receives therotatable lid lever 150, compression cap 180, leaf spring 190, gasket200 and pressure cap 210 which collectively form the lid assembly 110.

The above-described mechanical embodiments described above create auser-friendly water filtration system whereby users are able to easilychange the water filter cartridge 300 and align the lid assembly 110correctly without fail. Additionally, the electronic features of thewater filtration system 100 as detailed below further enhance the userexperience.

FIG. 11 illustrates a block diagram 400 of an electronic systemaccording to the embodiments of the present invention. An RFID tag 405associated with each water filter cartridge 410 transmits anidentification of a water filter cartridge. A reader (e.g., readingcoil) 415 is configured to read the unique identification and eitherconfirm the authenticity of the water filter cartridge identification inlocal memory and/or central memory via a Wi-Fi transmitter 420configured to communicate with a Wi-Fi receiver 425 in communicationwith a centrally maintained server or similar computer hardware andsoftware system. In either instance, the identification of the uniquewater filter cartridge 410 is compared to a stored water filtercartridge identification and water filtration system identification toauthenticate that the correct water filter cartridge 410 in installed inthe correct water filtration system. The transmitter 420 may be part ofthe reader 415 or separate therefrom. In one embodiment, the printedcircuit board 145 controls the Wi-Fi transmitter 420 and the informationor data it is instructed to transmit to the Wi-Fi receiver 425. Receiveddata is stored in a central server 430 or the like. The Wi-Fi receiver425 may be part of the server 430 or separate therefrom.

The water filtration system includes means for determining when a waterfilter cartridge is spent. In one embodiment, a measurement turbinecollects data sufficient to determine the status of the water filtercartridge. Other means may include time since installation, waterquantity sensors, water quality sensors and the like. Once spent, thewater filtration system notifies the user to change the water filtercartridge. In one embodiment, the water filtration system provides anadvance notice indication that the water filter cartridge is close toreplacement. In one embodiment, once the water filter cartridge is spentor lacks capacity, the water filter system shuts down and/or an alarmsounds intermittingly until a new water filter cartridge is installed.Once installed, the new water filter cartridge is authenticated asdetailed herein. In one embodiment, the water filter system isconfigured to not operate (e.g., shut down or sound alarmintermittingly) unless the water filter cartridge is authenticated as(i) brand name; and/or (ii) lacks capacity.

FIG. 12 shows a flow chart 500 detailing the authentication processassociated with the water filter cartridge 410. At 505, anidentification associated with the water filter cartridge is read andassociated with a particular water filter system. In one embodiment, theRFID tag 405 and reader 415 in the water filtration system associate thewater filter cartridge identification with the particular waterfiltration system. Authentication my require that the format of the RFIDtag 405 be of a correct type, as stored locally, at which point thewater filter cartridge 410 is deemed authenticated. At 510, theinformation related to the water filter cartridge identification andparticular water filter system is stored locally. The information mayalso be optionally stored in a central, remote location. At 515, waterfiltration system data is transmitted to a central location. The data issent intermittingly to the central location as programmed into the waterfiltration system. The individual water filtration systems may be polledby the central location as well. At 520, it is determined if the waterfilter is spent. If so, at 525, the user is so notified via an alarm,activation of a shut-down indicator light, email, text or othercommunication. At 530, responsive to the spent water filter cartridgebeing removed and a replacement water filter cartridge being placed intothe water filter system, the water filter system checks theidentification of the replacement water filter cartridge. At 535, thewater filter system seeks to authenticate the replacement water filtercartridge. Authentication may require that a new water filteridentification be of the correct type and not match any identificationassociated with a previously spent water filter cartridge associatedwith the particular water filtration system as determined locally or anywater filtration system as determined centrally. So, in one embodiment,the old water filter cartridge or off brand water filter cartridge willnot be authenticated. At 540, the new water filter cartridgeidentification is associated with the particular water filter system. At545, the information related to the new water filter cartridgeidentification and particular water filtration system is optionallytransmitted to a central location and stored accordingly.

FIG. 13 illustrates a second flow chart 600 detailing an authenticationprotocol according to the embodiments of the present invention. At 605,a user is notified of a water filter cartridge issue (e.g., filterspent). At 610, the user replaces the water filter cartridge with a newwater filter cartridge and its ID is checked by the system. At 615, itis determined if the new water filter cartridge is authentic. If not,the flow chart 600 loops back to 605. If the new water filter cartridgeis authentic, at 620, the new water filter cartridge's ID is storedlocally. At 625, the new water filter cartridge's ID is checked withpast usage. At 630, the capacity of the new water filter cartridge ischecked. If lacking capacity, the flow chart 600 loops back to 605. Ifsufficient capacity exists, at 635, the new water filter cartridge's IDis registered. At 640, the ID and other data is sent to a centralserver. At 645, normal use of the water filtration system resumes.

The printed circuit board 145 and Wi-Fi transmitter 420 may beconfigured to transmit certain performance data to the receiver 425. Forexample, water usage by hour, day, week, etc., estimated remaining waterfilter cartridge life, functionality parameters, etc. This data can thenbe analyzed and used to provide feedback and suggestions to the userincluding: (i) an estimate of when the water filter cartridge will needto be replaced; (ii) water saving suggestions; and (iii) water usagedata. In one embodiment, the user may automatically be sent a new waterfilter cartridge when the water filter system determines that thecurrent water filter cartridge is near depletion. It is envisioned thatin certain embodiments the user can disable the Wi-Fi capabilities.

The printed circuit board 145 includes a processing, chip, controller orthe like which can be programmed to control the various electronicfeatures of the water filtration system 100. As used herein, the terms“seal” and “vacuum” encompass a substantial seal and substantial vacuum(not just absolute seals and vacuums) necessary to permit the waterfiltration system 100 or other system utilizing the lid assembly 100 tofunction properly.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference toseveral embodiments, additional variations and modifications existwithin the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined inthe following claims.

I claim:
 1. A water filtration system comprising: a housing enclosureconfigured to contain a pressure vessel configured to receive a waterfilter cartridge; inlet and outlet connectors configured to receivetubing for carrying source water and dispense purified water,respectively; a ring enclosure attached to an open, top end of thehousing; a user interface; and a lid assembly removably attachable tosaid ring enclosure, said lid assembly including (i) a pressure cap andgasket for maintaining a given pressure in said pressure vessel and (ii)a rotatable lid lever for engaging and disengaging said pressure cap andpressure vessel thereby setting and releasing, respectively, pressurewithin said pressure vessel.
 2. The water filtration system of claim 1further comprising a rotatable rear lever attached to said housingenclosure, said rotatable rear lever, when closed, preventing saidrotatable lid lever from being opened.
 3. The water filtration system ofclaim 1 wherein spaced teeth of said lid assembly and spaced teeth of anouter surface of said ring enclosure are positioned to lock said lidassembly onto said ring enclosure in a correctly aligned manner.
 4. Thewater filtration system of claim 1 wherein said lid assembly furthercomprises a leaf spring connected to said pressure cap and a compressioncap.
 5. The water filtration system of claim 2 further comprising abattery compartment concealed by said rotatable rear lever when closed.6. The water filtration system of claim 1 wherein said user interface ispart of an interface member integral with said ring enclosure.
 7. Thewater filtration system of claim 6 wherein said user interface comprisesa user button and indicator lights.
 8. The water filtration system ofclaim 3 wherein said lid assembly teeth and said ring enclosure teethare spaced to permit said lid assembly to be removed or attached to saidring enclosure with less than a forty-five degree turn of said ringassembly.
 9. The water filtration system of claim 3 wherein said spacedteeth of said lid assembly are on an inner surface of a compression capthereof.
 10. The water filtration system of claim 1 wherein saidrotatable lid lever is configured to raise said pressure cap relative tosaid pressure vessel thereby causing said pressure cap to force saidgasket against an inner, upper surface of said pressure vessel.
 11. Awater filtration system comprising: a housing enclosure configured tocontain a pressure vessel configured to receive a water filtercartridge; a lid assembly removably attachable to a top of said housing,said lid assembly including (i) a pressure cap retaining a leaf springand gasket for maintaining a given pressure in said pressure vessel and(ii) a rotatable lid lever for engaging and disengaging said pressurecap and said pressure vessel thereby setting and releasing,respectively, pressure within said pressure vessel; a user interface;source water input connector and purified water output connector; arotatable rear lever attached said housing and positioned to overlap oneend of said rotatable lid lever such that said rotatable lid levercannot be opened until after said rotatable rear lever is opened. 12.The water filtration system of claim 11 wherein spaced teeth of said lidassembly and spaced teeth of an outer surface of said housing enclosureare positioned to lock said lid assembly onto said ring enclosure in acorrectly aligned manner.
 13. The water filtration system of claim 11wherein said lid assembly further comprises a compression cap.
 14. Thewater filtration system of claim 11 further comprising a batterycompartment concealed by said rotatable rear lever when closed.
 15. Thewater filtration system of claim 11 wherein said user interfacecomprises a user button and indicator lights.
 16. The water filtrationsystem of claim 12 wherein said spaced teeth of said lid assembly are onan inner surface of a compression cap thereof.
 17. The water filtrationsystem of claim 11 wherein said rotatable lid lever is configured toraise said pressure cap relative to said pressure vessel thereby causingsaid pressure cap to force said gasket against an inner, upper surfaceof said pressure vessel.
 18. An article comprising: a pressure vesseldefining a chamber with an opening at one end thereof; a pressure caphaving an outer lip circumscribing a perimeter thereof; a gasketdimensioned to reside along said outer lip; and wherein said pressurecap and gasket are configured to insert into said opening of saidpressure vessel such that said pressure cap, when engaged, forces saidgasket against an inner surface of said pressure vessel to form a sealabout said opening in said pressure vessel.
 19. The article of claim 18further comprising means to move said pressure cap to create and disruptsaid seal in said pressure vessel.
 20. The article of claim 18 whereinwater pressure within said pressure vessel causes said pressure cap toforce said gasket against an inner surface of said pressure vesselproximate said opening.